WILMINGTON, Mass. -- If, as expected, Boston Bruins power forward Milan Lucic has not merely played his way down the lineup but out of it altogether, there could hardly be a more stark illustration of the concerns facing the team as it prepares for the postseason.

Although coach Claude Julien would not confirm that Lucic will be a healthy scratch Friday night when the Bruins play host to the scorching-hot Pittsburgh Penguins, his use of Lucic during practice Thursday at the team's suburban facility suggests Lucic will be the odd man out.

Even Lucic seemed resigned to the fact that his poor play could see him in a suit and tie instead of suiting up for what many view as a possible Eastern Conference finals preview, something that would have been unthinkable the last two seasons as he scored a combined 56 goals and established himself as a player with a rare blend of snarl and skill.

A contrite Lucic talked about a confidence level that has sunk to levels he hasn't experienced in years and the need to stop looking in any direction other than within for answers.

"You can't just keep making excuses," said Lucic, who has one goal in his last 11 games and just six on the season.

But give Lucic credit: He acknowledged that being scratched wouldn't be anyone's fault but his own.

"No, I wouldn't blame anyone but myself," he said. "I'm for what's best for the team."

That said, it's a troubling situation given how important a tough, skilled player is come playoff time.

"I've taken pride in being a big part of this team," Lucic said.

Both he and club management are hopeful he can be again. But there is no doubt he has not been the same player to whom the Bruins committed a three-year contract extension before the lockout; the contract pays him an average of $6 million a season.